Cruise company MSC Cruises vessel the MSC Euribia arrived at the Port of Durban's Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal on November 8, starting the port's cruise season, port agency Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) says.
The port is set to welcome 47 call-ins from various passenger liners this season.
“The Port of Durban is committed to further strengthening our reputation as a world-class cruise destination. We are focused on enhancing service quality and driving sustainable tourism growth, ultimately benefiting the local economy and community,” says TNPA Port of Durban acting port manager Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi.
Cruise tourism plays a prominent role in the economic landscape of KwaZulu-Natal, significantly contributing to the province's tourism GDP.
In the previous season, nearly 243 000 international visitors arrived in Durban by passenger liner, highlighting the city’s pivotal role as a gateway to South Africa, he says.
“The R300-million Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban is one of only two ports in South Africa equipped to accommodate such a large vessel, which made the terminal the perfect site for MSC Euribia’s technical stop,” says MSC Cruises South Africa MD Ross Volk.
“This marks the official start of the local cruise season. Throughout the summer, we look forward to welcoming avid cruisers and those new to cruising onboard. MSC Musica, the vessel that will service South Africa for the local season, will kick off her time on local waters on November 22,” he adds.
TNPA has implemented comprehensive marine services, including pilotage, berth availability and skilled berthing crews, to ensure a seamless experience for cruise vessels.
These efforts are to maintain the highest standards of maritime safety and service excellence, it says.
Edited by: Creamer Media Reporter
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